Sequential Transarterial Chemoembolization for Unresectable Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Sequential TACE is a safe procedure in patients with unresectable advanced HCC and feasible in most cases. It seems to prolong the survival time compared with historical series of untreated patients.

A prognostic index of the survival of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

“…However, several uncontrolled studies have shown prolonged survival after TACE. [11][12][13] These differences probably are related to patient selection bias.…”

“…10 Finally, TACE also is used as a palliative treatment for patients with unresectable HCC. Several studies comparing TACE with historic data have shown an improvement in the survival of patients with unresectable HCC; 6,[11][12][13] however, these results have not been confirmed in randomized, controlled trials. 14 -16 Therefore, the real indication of TACE for patients with unresectable HCC has yet to be established.…”

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization of Liver Tumors: Effects of Embolization Protocol on Injectable Volume of Chemotherapy and Subsequent Arterial Patency

“…Several reports have shown TACE to be much more effective when administered multiple times as opposed to a single treatment, since those patients demonstrate a greater degree of tumor necrosis [27,28]. Since recanalization of tumor vasculature is a prerequisite to subsequent TACE procedures, determination of the long-term effects of embolic agents is of critical importance.…”

Therapeutic effects of transarterial infusion of lipiodol and ethanol in various ratios in a rabbit VX2 tumor model

“…Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is widely used to treat HCC patients who are not suitable candidates for curative treatments (2)(3)(4)(5). The most common embolic agent used in TACE is lipiodol, which can be mixed with surgical glues (cyanoacrylates) or with ethanol for interventional procedures.…”